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5 Questions to Ask When Looking for a Mechanic 

Your car is a massive part of your life and represents a significant investment. For that reason, you probably don’t let just anyone drive it. But you really shouldn’t let just any mechanic work on it, either, so you should never assume one auto repair shop option is just as good as another.

Ideally, you want to develop a trust-based relationship with a mechanic you know you can trust with your ride, and that means asking each candidate the right questions before choosing one. Here are some great examples.
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Mechanic checking oil at Gerry Lane Cadillac

So Which Questions Should you Ask?


1. “What’s your experience with cars like mine?”
Most people favor one type of car over another for specific reasons. Maybe they like a lot of horsepower or prefer a vehicle with more cargo room. They might have chosen theirs because the look, features, and capabilities align more closely with their needs than similar options.

That said, every car is different, so you need a mechanic that’s experienced when it comes to the make and model you drive. For example, if you’re a Cadillac person all around, you’ll get better service from a shop that’s familiar not only with Cadillacs but also with the exact type of Cadillac you drive.

2. “What are your warranty options like?”

Nobody and nothing is perfect, so there’s always at least a slight chance that work your mechanic does or a part they install will fail. For that reason, it’s important to know upfront how faithfully a mechanic stands behind their work, in general.

Written guarantees and warranties are a must, so be sure to ask your mechanic about these things before you trust them with your car. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re taken care of no matter what.

3. “How do estimates work at your shop?”

It’s reasonable to expect that when you bring your vehicle to a new mechanic and explain your issues, you can get an estimate without paying anything right away. However, it’s also important to ask for a few details about how estimates work at their shop.

How does this particular mechanic come up with their estimates? How much of that estimate is due to labor costs versus the expected cost of parts? It’s important to know these things before you agree to services so that you’re not unpleasantly surprised later on.

4. “How do you handle unexpected findings?”

Most drivers know what it’s like to put their car in the shop for what they assume is a minor problem only to find out it’s something much more serious (and expensive). But a mechanic that handles unexpected developments reasonably and fairly can make that experience so much easier to bear.

So how does the mechanic you’re considering deal with situations like those? Do they contact the customer and make them aware of the situation so they can have a say in how to proceed? Or do they simply do whatever they think is best without any prior discussion, expecting the customer to be happy to pay a surprise bill that’s much higher than expected?

5. “How long will this work take?”

This is likely one of the burning questions on most drivers’ minds when they take their car to the shop, but it’s important enough to emphasize it regardless. Just as you shouldn’t assume every mechanic will have the same skills and charge the same for their work, you shouldn’t take it for granted that the work will take the same amount of time, either.

Having to be without your car is a big deal, so you don’t want to take it to a shop where the staff is swamped and won’t be able to have your vehicle back to you for longer than you can handle. Naturally, some repairs are more extensive and will take longer. But you still need someone who can start work on your car promptly so they can get it back to you within a reasonable amount of time.

    Making a Wise Decision

    When your car is out of commission and really needs work done, it makes sense that you’d want the situation resolved as soon as possible. But it’s still worth taking the time to make an auto shop decision you feel good about and know you’ll be happy with.

    If you’re a Louisiana resident in or near our locations in Baton Rouge or Francisville and need a reliable place to take your Cadillac, you can’t beat the expert mechanics at Gerry Lane Cadillac. Top-tier certified auto experts, white-glove customer service, and a full range of services to choose from mean you’ll not only leave happy but come back again and again. Schedule your appointment today!

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                        Gerry Lane Cadillac

                        10945 REIGER ROAD BATON ROUGE LA 70809-4546 US
                        Sales (225) 341-3066 Service (225) 341-3067 Parts (225) 297-5377
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